Penwell Dlamini

Penwell Dlamini

It is a Sunday afternoon. A couple are relaxing under a tree while a man nearby reads about President Jacob Zuma's inauguration.

Everyone in Bramley, north of Johannesburg, knows where to find some rest after a long day - under a big tree next to the Old Pretoria Main Road.

The spot is called "ebrijini" because it is next to a bridge. It is also the preferred meeting spot for burial societies.

But unknown to the carefree lovers and the tired man, the spot has ceased to be idyllic. It is the same spot where a man was found dead on Friday morning. His right ear was cut off, so were his lips.

Police spokesperson Inspector Moses Maphakela said it was the first muti killing in his 18 years of service at Bramley police station.

"We are shocked at what happened. It is clear that the criminals wanted the body parts for muti."

Maphakela said the man, who was in his 40s, was wearing grey trousers and a white shirt.

Police found a half-filled bottle with clutch fluid which they suspect was used to drug the victim before removing the body parts.

The body is yet to be identified.

Residents around Bramley are disturbed about the killing.

"Every Sunday we come here to have our burial society meetings. We use this place as a community hall," said Priscilla Kubheka, one of the residents.

"We are scared now."